The average household spends $400-$600 a year on water heating. Taking an extra two minutes in the shower, leaving the water running while washing dishes, or washing clothes with hot water instead of cold adds up fast. The good news is, you can save money on water heating costs by making some easy do-it-yourself improvements.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to save money on your monthly water heating bill is to lower the heating temperature on your water heater. For every 10 degrees of reduction in the temperature of your water, you can expect to save up to $30 a year! For steps on how to lower your water heater temperature, click here.

Another great way to reduce your water heating cost is by insulating your hot water pipes. Not only will this save you money, it will also raise your water temperature by up to four degrees, allowing you to keep your water temperature at a lower, and cheaper, level. An added bonus, you have less wait time when you turn on a faucet or shower head, which also helps to conserve water. For more information about insulating your hot water pipes, click here.